SPCA resuming limited pet adoptions beginning Tuesday

The Nova Scotia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will be offering pets for adoption by appointment only beginning Tuesday.

Adoptions had been suspended after the province announced a state of emergency in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a news release Saturday, the SPCA said each shelter will have five appointments per day available for people who have completed the online adoption process.

Anyone interested in adopting a pet can visit www.novascotiaspca.ca/adoptionprocess to learn about the process and view the available animals. If they find a pet that matches their lifestyle and household, they can complete the online application and additional screening questionnaire.

The society said a matching process will consider the pet's needs so animals have the best chance of being successfully placed in permanent homes. The interested adopter will then be contacted to schedule an appointment to view the animals.

“We want to keep staff, animals and adopters safe during this difficult time,” Sandra Flemming, the SPCA'S provincial director of animal care, said in the release.

“Only people with an appointment will be admitted to the building. The appointments will be spaced to allow for appropriate cleaning between visitors.

“We trust the public will respect our need to find good homes for our pets while maintaining social distance and limiting contact for essential animal-care staff.”

The release said adoption is a rewarding experience that comes with long-term responsibility and commitment, and each family should evaluate whether it is ready to welcome and care for a new pet.

Henny, a one-year-old male, is one of the cats available for adoption at the Nova Scotia SPCA'S Dartmouth shelter.